Combustion powered wave generator

Abstract

A wave generator for a swimming pool, comprising a caisson divided into a plurality of wave-generating chambers. Each wave-generating chamber communicates with the swimming pool through a below-the-water passage and has a sealed portion which extends above the water level of the pool. Each sealed portion of the chamber receives combustive elements which are ignited to produce an increased pressure which directly displaces the water within the chamber, inducing a wave action in the associated swimming pool. Each wave-generating chamber is selectively operated in concert with the remaining chambers to produce a desired wave pattern which propagates across the pool surface. The present wave generator features increased efficiency and fewer components over previous wave-generating apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wave generator system for generating waves in a swimming pool comprising: at least one chamber communicative with said swimming pool through a below-the-water passage and having a sealed portion extending above the water level of said pool, each chamber comprising:   means for selectively introducing combustive elements into said chamber; and   means for selectively igniting said combustive elements within said chamber according to the waves to be generated.   
     
     
       2. The wave generating system of claim 1 wherein said combustive elements comprise natural gas and air.   
     
     
       3. The wave generating system of claim 1 wherein at least two of said combustive elements are premixed before introduction into the chamber.   
     
     
       4. The wave generating system of claim 3 wherein said means for introducing includes a compressor and a venturi metering means.   
     
     
       5. The wave generating system of claim 1 wherein said means for introducing comprises at least one fuel injection means to inject at least one of said combustive elements directly into said chamber.   
     
     
       6. The wave generating system of claim 1 wherein said combustive elements include at least one solid fuel element.   
     
     
       7. The wave generating system of claim 1, wherein said means for igniting comprises spark means.   
     
     
       8. The wave generating system of claim 7, wherein said means for igniting includes timing means to cause ignition at selected time intervals.   
     
     
       9. The wave generating system of claim 8, further including means for venting combustion products from the chamber.   
     
     
       10. The wave generating system of claim 9, wherein the means for venting is selectably operated according to a desired wave rhythm and height. 
     
     
       11. The wave generating system of claim 9, wherein said timing means further controls said means for introducing and said means for venting.   
     
     
       12. The wave generating system of claim 11, wherein said chamber is operated according to a two-cycle combustion process.   
     
     
       13. The wave generating system of claim 11, wherein said chamber is operated according to a four-cycle combustion process.   
     
     
       14. The wave generating system of claim 1, further including means for selectively sequencing each of said chambers to act in concert to produce a desired wave within said pool.